About Brancaia
Brancaia is a Tuscan wine estate founded in 1981 by Swiss couple Bruno and Brigitte Widmer, with holdings in both Chianti Classico and the Maremma. The estate is known for producing Chianti Classico as well as its flagship wine Il Blu, a Sangiovese-Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Brancaia is recognized for combining international grape varieties with traditional Tuscan viticulture across its multiple properties.
Prices are for take away and shipping. The wine bar serves from its own list.
The winery
About Brancaia
History
Brancaia was started by the Swiss couple Bruno and Brigitte Widmer, who bought their first estate at Castellina in Chianti in 1981 as a Tuscan family retreat. They chose to make only wine of high quality. In 1989 they added the Poppi estate at Radda in Chianti, and in 1998 a third estate in the Maremma, close to the Mediterranean coast.
The land and the vineyards
The vineyards cover about 40 hectares in Chianti Classico and 40 in the Maremma, with a winemaking cellar in each area. The brand's site states that the wines are organic. Sangiovese is the central grape.
The wines
Il Blu, a Super Tuscan from Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, had its first vintage in 1988 and stood outside the Chianti Classico rules. The Chianti Classico range runs from the plain Chianti Classico, the only Brancaia red made without wood, to the Riserva and the Gran Selezione. The estate also sells rosé, white wine, grappa, gin and olive oil.
Today
Brancaia at Poppi, Radda in Chianti, offers tours and tastings, an osteria, a bar and holiday accommodation. One source names Barbara Widmer, the founders' daughter, as the person now leading the estate. The company describes its style as Swiss precision with Italian character.
- Founded
- 1981
- Vineyards (hectares)
- about 80 (40 Chianti Classico, 40 Maremma)
- Main grapes
- Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Owners
- Widmer family